Bezalel Smotrich

The 2026 budget passed its first test, yet the battles over defense, taxes, and reforms expose a government more focused on managing crises than shaping policy.

The budget will be used for campaigns to raise awareness and promote Israel worldwide, with NIS 1 billion already authorized by the government.

The poll shows the coalition bloc rising to 53 seats, up four from the previous survey, driven by Religious Zionism’s gains. The opposition bloc gained 57 seats.

Opposition leader and Yesh Atid chair Yair Lapid said the government is approving "a budget of corruption and draft-dodging."

The PA’s financial collapse has become a broader diplomatic issue. France, Norway, Spain, and Saudi Arabia have launched efforts to rally outside donors.

Legal experts argue that using presidential clemency before a verdict would overturn long-standing norms that reserve pardons for those who have accepted responsibility.

“It will not happen under any circumstances, even if a budget is not passed,” Regev’s office said, insisting she will block any additional burden on riders without parallel service improvements.

Smotrich argues that in a democracy, the IDF chief must adhere to "basic codes" and cannot publicly attack elected officials, citing the US as an example of firm accountability.

Members of the team will reportedly include National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Justice Minister Yariv Levin, according to Israeli media.

The bill, which passed 26–0 with no abstentions, will award up to four credit points, scaled to reserve duty performed in the prior tax year.